No Professional Photography

My friend did mine but she was a professional photographer anyway.
However for my graduation photo shoot my uncle did it and he was an amateur photographer but it looked so good !
So it could turn out really well without a professional photographer

Honestly, if you don’t like photos of you, you’ll hate them if a friend or family member takes them instead if a pro. Maybe have a 2nd shooter to help capture a different view?

View Quoted Comment Exactly! That's why I thought of a family member or friend bc even though I'll dislike it still, I won't feel like I've wasted money... a lot of money.

View Quoted Comment But I think you’ll like those photos even less! With an untrained professional you’ll really cringe over any bad angles, lighting, expressions, etc.


How about a pro + family member as the 2nd shooter? (Make sure this is ok with the pro). Then maybe you’ll like (or love) at least SOME photos. 😁

View Quoted Comment Idk, like I said, I don't like the way I look. Had nothing to do with the photography skills.

15 good photos is still 15 more than zero. I would still go for it. If you have 5 shots you like from this important event, it’s worth it in my opinion. You’ll be framing them and looking at them forever.

Also let the photographer know in advance what you don't like or what you'd like to avoid, maybe they have some techniques

Usually professional photographers have amazing editing skills. Maybe thrust can edit your photos to make you less insecure about your looks

Aside from the photographer, girl you are beautiful and I hope you can see that. Kids can be cruel and honestly I hope you can see what an amazing woman you’ve grown to become.

As for the photographer you will probably like less photos from friends and family than you would from a professional who knows what they’re doing. It’s a very special day and even if it’s not just for the photos of you, it’s for the photos of your guests, family & friends too.

My Friend Will Be Doing Ours. No Need For Us To Spend A Fortune On Pro Photos If Someone Else Can Take Them. If Anything Ill Have Someone Else Edit Them

Photography, you get what you pay for (most of the time). I would definitely suggest keeping the professional, and just have a chat with him/her about you favorite pictures and what insecurities you may have. You’d be surprised how they can work with you and make you happy. Not to mention editing them after. I think amateur photos you will dislike even more. Best of luck to you!

Honey, I am about to be remarried and I too dislike my big forehead. BUT!!! Please do not settle for less than professional on your big day. Let them know your insecurities and seek one out that will work with you on these and put you in poses that will help hide the issues you have.
My aunt did my other wedding photos and she is great but I know they could have been 100% better if I had spent the money on them.

I would definitely still go with the professional photographer. I would still down and speak with him about the things that make you feel insecure and what you like about the 15 photos. He should be able to give you advice on how to avoid the things you don't like and highlight the things that you do. Also, if you ever have children won't you want them to see the beautiful photos a professional photographer took on your wedding day?

View Quoted Comment To be honest, the thought of children not being able to see professional wedding pics doesn't bother me. My own parebts married for free in a Chapel hospital and only took about 5 photos on a Kodak camera. Didn't bother me.
I'm not in any of my high school yearbooks and I typically try to avoid being in pics.
My fiance's parents have been married for 49 years!! And they Didnt have a professional take their photos, it was one of their high school classmates. Fmil got married at 17. And their wedding pics are beautiful.If we were to have children, I would probably maintain a journal. Pictures can only go so far, but after a loved one dies and we actually get to read their own words and see the time they lived in from their perspective....it's amazing.

View Quoted Comment It sounds like you already have your mind made up so I'm not even sure why you asked for anyone's opinion.

Is your fiancé ok with having no photos of your wedding day? Perhaps I’m just an optimist, but there may be one day when you’ve let go of your insecurities and may wish you had these photos to look at. Also, wedding photographers capture more than just the couple - they capture your family’s reaction as you walk down the aisle and your guests having a ball on the dance floor. You may miss some of these precious moments on your wedding day and seeing them later from your photographer is such a treasure.


You certainly can skip the photographer, it’s your wedding and your budget. But I think to invest all that time and money in throwing a wedding it would be a shame not to capture it on film just in case one day someone wants to look back at the day.

As a PP said, the photographer will capture family and details that you may want to remember.


If that’s not too important to you, a couple of our favorite photos were taken by our officiant (only guest) on his phone. A couple were darker so the quality wasn’t great unfortunately, so it was nice to have the professional photos.
However, if you won’t display or broadcast the photos widely then no pros might just be a perfect money saving solution for you. Designate 1-2 friends/family that have a creative eye to detail to take your photos. Someone who can set you up on a good background, frame shots well, and make sure the lighting is flattering. Then ask everyone to take reception photos and post to a hashtag!

Aw, this makes me so sad. I hope you grow to love your dark skin and appearance. I get that if you don't, however, looking at pictures can be really triggering. THAT SAID: 15 good pictures is a lot of good pictures! I would try to view it that way - sure, there were a lot that you didn't like but to even get ONE picture that you love from your wedding day will definitely be worth it. I fear that you'll look back and regret not having professional photos, especially once you realize how beautiful you are! I would definitely do it. If you hate them, you can delete them!

I've done it both ways now, and I can definitely say that the professional photos for my 2nd wedding were worlds away better than the friend's photos for my first wedding.

I'm currently super insecure about my weight (I've gained about 30lbs since I met my 2nd husband) and, even with those "faults" glaring at me in the professional photos, they were gorgeous photos that I absolutely LOVE.

You will regret not hiring a professional photographer for your wedding. These are photos that you will cherish for the rest of your life. I would discuss with your photographer the things you are insecure about. With editing abilities these days, that is surely something they can work on! Also, in regards to your forehead, have you had your hair trial yet? You might be able to talk to your stylist about a way to "mask" that to make you feel more secure. Lastly, work on feeling good about yourself! I obviously do not know you, but I am sure you are a beautiful woman and your future spouse obviously thinks you are beautiful. So live knowing that and try not to be so hard on yourself.

Happy planning!